The Bavarians currently hold a commanding lead in the table, having failed to win just three games, while BVB have suffered disappointing results at the hands of Stuttgart, Fortuna Dusseldorf and Wolfsburg on their own turf.

And the veteran midfielder feels they cannot hold any hopes of a third consecutive national crown, and they have only themselves to blame.

"It should not happen to us," Kehl told Bild, referring to the ten points concended at Signal Iduna Park.

"It is our own mistake and the fourteen points difference means we do not need to talk about the title," he added.

BVB's final league game before the winter hiatus is a trip to the Rhein Neckar Arena to face Hoffenheim on Sunday.